Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
466. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring forward any proposals that will lead to changes in the implementation of the scheme that will take into consideration the individual circumstances, and life expectancy of the person involved in view of (details supplied0; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45754/12]
View answer484. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the staggering or making of injuries awards by way of deferred payments will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45863/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 484 together.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce legislation to facilitate courts making provision for structured settlements in circumstances where lump sums are currently awarded as a consequence of individuals suffering catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another. The High Court Working Group Report on Periodic Payments recommended in October 2011 that legislation be enacted to empower the courts, as an alternative to lump sum awards, to make consensual and non-consensual periodic payments to compensate injured victims in cases of catastrophic injury where long term permanent care and treatment will be required. The Working Group also recommended that periodic payment orders should only be made where the court is satisfied that continuity of payment under the periodic payments order is reasonably secure.
The successful operation of a statutory scheme for periodic payments requires the establishment of a financial infrastructure to ensure that continuity of payment is secure. In this regard the Working Group recommended that the State, through the agency of the National Treasury Management Agency, be empowered to provide injured victims with the necessary security for periodic payments either by the provision of annuities to insurers and others or in such other manner as may be appropriate. Alternatively it was recommended that consideration be given to the introduction of a statutory scheme whereby payments made under periodic payment orders will be statutorily protected and guaranteed. The NTMA has concluded an actuarial review on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the State acting as an annuity provider to insurers and indemnity providers in personal injury actions to enable compliance with the security of payment principle. The NTMA report is being considered in consultation with the Minister for Finance with a view to the development of legislative proposals.
